In this review we’ll put VW Passat in front of the Ford Mondeo and Opel Insignia, all models made ​​in Germany. Here is the verdict:

Compared to the Volkswagen Passat, which expresses no doubt that it is a German car, the Ford Mondeo and Opel Insignia is seeking global car, the taste more customers around the world. Moreover, emphasizing voices certainly appear that Ford and Opel keep American companies – however, in this case we speak of models with European specifications.

Overall, you need only a few moments to realize that, in terms of design, Insignia is something else than the Passat. Insignia’s rather fits VW Passat CC, and competitor’s style of the Passat as the German sedan is now almost trivial to show and rough compared with smooth lines and Insignia’s very elegant.

And Ford Mondeo looks more modern than the Passat, but maintains a higher dose of sobriety than the Insignia. In part,due to the tailgate,but especially because of size, Mondeo looks much more bulky than the Passat, though managing to impose more respect than VW sedan. It is clear that the Mondeo and, especially, Insignia, are more attractive than the Passat, it seemed simply a ’80 car. On the other hand, very classic style of the Passat is responsible largely for the very strong brand image that manages to give off Passat, Berlin Germany is over competitors in this regard.

Finally, for customers with a developed aesthetic sense Passat is clearly outweighed by the Insignia and Mondeo. On the other hand, conservative style like VW inspires more confidence for customers who are considered very serious. Insignia is contradictory, relying on an open to new clients and places great emphasis on fashion.

So Ford Mondeo remains the most balanced segment, the mid-range saloon, although the test version, the tailgate, it attracts more people who will and dynamism. But, finally, kinetic design Mondeo’s makes it more balanced than the Passat (too oldie) and Insignia (stylish too).

Scheduled to appear in 2014, triggering a new Volkswagen Passat very high, and the Germans from Auto Zeitung come with the freshest information about the new generation VW Passat, and their impressions about what could be mid-range German model.
The current generation Volkswagen Passat will remain in production until 2014, when his successor will try to amaze fans.

As shown, those from Auto Zeitung believes that the recent Volkswagen Cross Coupe concept has shown us clearly the brand image of the future Volkswagen cars. So the new Volkswagen Passat will fly a brand image simplistic but very effective, with a grid that is still in its headlights.

Thus, the new Passat will bet straight edge and style square, with no curves. In other words, the Passat will remain sober, but with an obvious high-tech touch. The situation will continue for Passat Variant wagon, whose back will focus on practicality, while car lights will emphasize elegance, reminiscent of the Audi.
From a technical standpoint, the future of Volkswagen Passat will use the new technical platform “transverse matrix” MQB, which will allow better sharing of motor systems and other subsystems engines between several models, even from different classes, but will give the new Passat and a much better interior space and greater security.

The new Passat will have a length of about 4.8 meters, a longer wheelbase, a carrier increased by about 50 liters, and a better drag coefficient, mainly due to optimization of air flow under the car. Also, meals will be reduced by an average of 100 kg from the current generation will be more rigid body and engineers announced that we see a unique combination of high strength steel and special plastics.
All engines will be Euro 6, and their consumption will be reduced by up to 20% from the current range of engines. Passat will use only 4-cylinder engines and start/stop system will be standard. The most interesting is announced TSI engine’s 150 hp 1.4-liter, direct injection and cylinder deactivation system that promises the best balance between performance and consumption in its class.

The new Passat will benefit from a plug-in hybrid version, which will combine small 1.4-liter TSI with a potent electric motor of 85 kW (115 hp) maximum power is available amounting to around 160 hp, and the maximum speed will reach 170 km/h. Maximum Autonomy is announced very good, 800 km, while the electric strict autonomy will be 50 km. Under the new rules of measurement, the Passat’s use plug-in hybrid will be about 2 litres/100 km.

Another good news into the prices of the new Volkswagen Passat, which promises to be only slightly higher than the current generation, although technological developments will be increased. But all these things we learn only towards the end of 2013, a major auto show in Europe.

2012 will be a very interesting and exciting year. We have news on all fronts, in all segments. It is difficult to decide now which is the most important release of the year as Romanians tastes in cars do not discuss and change from year to year, from generation to generation. Expect the new 3 Series, however, to stir, to finally bury the new 1 Series sales or look like all Romanians in Dacia Lodgy flock simply because it is a MPV.

Here, below we have the dates of launch of new models will be made ​​official in the Romanian market in 2012.

Alfa Romeo
Alfa Giulietta TCT official arrives in Romania next spring.

Audi
Audi has more news for next year. In mid-February will come here the new A4 facelift. In March the new A1 Sportback and RS5 facelift. In April S6, S7 and S8 plus hybrids of A6 and A8. In June we will see the new A6 Allroad and in September the new A3. Finally, facelift Q5 arrives in October.

BMW
3 Series official arrives in February, as well as bestiality M5. In the second quarter receive 5 Series ActiveHybrid M6 Convertible 6 Series Gran Coupeşi addition X6 and X1 facelift facelift in summer, 7-Series facelift, M6 Coupe, the new 3-door 1 Series 3 Series ActiveHybrid and the second half of the year.

Chevrolet
The only novelty that will be launched next year in Romania is Malibu. The new Chevrolet Malibu will be sold for the first time in Europe and the United States of America is the eighth generation. Malibu is the longest model in the history of mid-size car, with a life of 35 years, over six decades and eight generations. In Romania, the Chevrolet Malibu comes in the third quarter of 2012.

Citroen
In March arrives and Jumpy Berlingo C1 facelift facelift and come here in April. Also in April will be released and C4 Aircross DS5 will be released in June.

Dacia
Much-awaited Lodgy van will arrive in Romania after the official presentation in Geneva in March.

FIAT
The new Panda arrives in May and Freemont will be officially launched in January despite already can be ordered. The new Grande Punto and it arrives in April.

Ford
In the first half you can buy in Romania’s Focus 1 liter EcoBoost engine equipped with a liter, the new Ranger pick-up or improved Transit. Production of B-Max will also start in the first half but the car will reach its customers in Q3 2012.

Hyundai
I40 arrives in showrooms in January, the new i30 and i20 facelift in March to June. The new Santa Fe comes to us in August.

Honda
Honda Civic 5D arrives in the spring of 2012, namely in March, followed shortly and sedan (May). The new CRV will arrive in autumn, probably October.

Infiniti
FX’s facelift arrives in Romania in April. Do not expect radical changes.

Jaguar
One new Jaguar will arrive in Romania next year and unfortunately is only Ultimate Edition XJ. Summer arrives in Romania.

Jeep
Great news are announced for next year but in the spirit of the American classic, the range will be changed slightly for 2012. In Romania, these models arriving in autumn.

KIA
Kia have three news in Romania 2012. New Optima arrives in March or September. But no one knows its final name.

Land Rover
Because until next autumn will see the new Range Rover probably in Paris, in Romania early in April will arrive here a special edition available for the TDV8 engine Supercharged and probably called Westminster. Expect an English-style luxurious interior.

Maserati
Two facelifts are scheduled for next year. As summer arrives in Romania and the GranTurismo’s facelift in the autumn of his GranCabrio.

Mazda
Mazda has two news for Romania in 2012. CX-5 will be released in the spring and BT-50 in the second half of the year.

Mercedes-Benz
The new SL arrives here in March. G GLK facelift facelift in June and July. In September, welcomed the new A and in September CLS Shooting Break. In November we will see the launch of the new GL.

Mitsubishi
In September the new Outlander will be released in December new class global small car, Colt’s successor. Do not know the final name will be marketed this new model in Romania.

Nissan
Nissan does not bring any new model next year, only special editions and the new 1.6 dCi engine also modified in various models of the range. Not yet know the final details of entry

Opel
Opel Astra GTC  will lunch, Tourer and Opel Zafira Combo in January-February.
At the Geneva Motor Show Opel will present mini-SUV Opel Astra OPC. Mid reaches showrooms amps.

Peugeot
French brand has a lot of news in the program for next year. 107 facelift arrives in Q1, 208, 3008 HYbrid4, 4008, 508 RXH, Partner and Expert facelift facelift coming in quarter 2 and RCZ HYbrid4 Sedan facelift and 508 in quarter 4.

Porsche
GTS Panamera arrives in Romania in April and the new convertible’s 911 Carrera and S versions arrive in February.

Renault
In spring arrives Twingo Gordini RS and wait and line. Also we’ll see and Megane RS Trophy final to spring. Energy will begin and the new engine of French manufacturer.

Toyota
In February and March receive facelift facelift RAV4′s for Aygo, Avensis and Prius. Also in March V8 will receive a facelift but also significant changes. Prius hybrid plug-in hybrid Yaris arrives in June and September.

Volkswagen
The new Beetle will be launched in January and up! in March. Also when they come and the new Passat CC Alltrack. In June comes up! the five-door and the new Golf, the seventh generation will be unveiled in December. Amarok single cabin comes from VW commercial vehicles in the spring.

Volvo
The new Volvo compact, A3 and 1 Series competitor, named variant V40 series arrives in Romania next summer.

Seven of the top 10 best-selling models in Europe in 2011 are German cars. And three of them bearing the Volkswagen sign. Here are the Top 10 last year in Europe.

TOP 10 best selling models in Europe in 2011:

• Volkswagen Golf – 484,547 (-1.6%)
• Volkswagen Polo – 356 490 (0.5%)
• Ford Fiesta – 348,465 (-13.3%)
• Opel / Vauxhall Corsa – 313,525 (-1.7%)
• Renault Clio – 294,172 (-13.1%)
• Opel / Vauxhall Astra – 287,249 (-1.3%)
• Ford Focus – 280,209 (+7.0%)
• Peugeot 207-242385 (-20.6%)
• Renault Megane – 239,329 (-8.3%)
• Volkswagen Passat – 233 330 (46.5%)

As you can see, the Volkswagen Golf continues its triumphant march, sales of nearly a million copies assuring them a very comfortable first place (even if we talk about sales figures down from 2010 and 2009). In fact, VW Golf is best sold in several European countries: Germany (about 258,000), Belgium (about 20,000), Austria (about 16,000), Switzerland (about 12,000), Norway (ca. 7300) or Luxemburg.

Second place is occupied by “brother” Volkswagen Polo, which manages thus to take revenge against the Ford Fiesta, which must be satisfied with third place after, in 2010, occupied the second position. Fiesta’s sales decreased in 2011 compared to 2010 with over 50,000 units, while Polo has found thousands of additional customers.

4th place is occupied by the Opel Corsa, which it ahead of the French Renault Clio because of its regression, over 40,000 units, compared to 2010. Another Frenchman, Peugeot 207, the highest percentage reduction in the top 10, taking advantage of Opel Astra and especially Ford, which sold almost 20,000 units more than in 2011, and the taking of Megane the second consecutive year.

Top model is completed by mid sole of the 10 models, Volkswagen Passat, which recorded a huge increase in sales, nearly 50% compared to 2010, notable performance if we think that generally speaking the price much higher than small class of compact models that dominate the top.

The year 2011 ended with a 8.8% increase in sales of new cars in Germany from 2010. Here are the top selling brands were, and among the most sold models. German auto market dynamics greatly affect sales of new cars in Europe, but most used car markets, which is “driven” primarily by the German car market. In 2011, Germany had been sold 3.17 million new cars with over 250,000 more than in 2010, which means a recovery of 8.8%.

TOP 10 best selling brands in Germany in 2011:
1. VOLKSWAGEN: 686,772 cars (+11.9%); market share 21.6%
2. BMW (including MINI): 297.439 cars (+11,5%); market share 9,4%
3. MERCEDES-BENZ: 285.651 cars (+1,6%); market share 9,0%
4. OPEL: 254.605 cars (+9,0%); market share 8,0%
5. AUDI: 250.708 cars (+10,5%); market share 7,9%
6. FORD: 230.939 cars (+16,5%); market share 7,3%
7. RENAULT (includeing DACIA): 160.366 cars (+4,4%); market share 5,1%
8. SKODA: 142.611 cars (+7,9%); market share 4,5%
9. HYUNDAI: 86.866 cars (+16,9%); market share 2,7%
10.TOYOTA: 83.204 cars (+5,7%); market share 2,6%

As shown, Volkswagen dominate by far the top, with sales higher than BMW and Mercedes-Benz, ranked 2 and 3. Opel managed to keep ahead of the Ford, while Audi has yet to reach the main rival premium. Note the positioning of Renault over Skoda cars thanks to good sales of Dacia, while Toyota was surpassed by Koreans from Hyundai.

TOP 20 best selling models in Germany in 2011:
1. Volkswagen Golf (with Golf Plus and Jetta): 258.059 cars (+2,8%)
2. Volkswagen Passat: 103.507 cars (+55,7%)
3. Volkswagen Polo: 90.720 cars (-6,4%)
4. Opel Astra: 86.579 cars (+19,1%)
5. Mercedes-Benz C-Class: 79.820 cars (+11,1%)
6. Opel Corsa: 70.152 cars (+7,4%)
7. BMW Seria 3: 62.280 cars (+7,9%)
8. Mercedes-Benz E-Class: 61.371 cars (+9,0%)
9. Ford Focus: 61.157 cars (+13,8%)
10. BMW Seria 5: 59.756 cars (+29,9%)
11. Audi A4: 59.056 cars (-1,3%)
12. Volkswagen Touran: 55.416 cars (+21,3%)
13. Ford Fiesta: 53.940 cars (+4,5%)
14. Audi A3: 53.801 cars (-15,2%)
15. BMW Seria 1: 52.881 cars (-4,5%)
16. Skoda Fabia: 47.579 cars (-2,1%)
17. Skoda Octavia: 46.571 cars (+8,4%)
18. Audi A6/A7: 46.076 cars (+45,4%)
19. Volkswagen Tiguan: 45.662 cars (+18,0%)
20. Mercedes-Benz A-Class: 43.542 cars (+15,6%)

Golf Family remains by far the most sold in Germany, while VW Passat shows a stunning development, up from 7th place in 2010 on the second position in 2011 (facelift was a sign that customer expectations). Podium is completed by city VW Polo (down from 2010), which shows that Germany is, indeed, the country “Das Auto”. Very interesting positioning of Mercedes-Benz C-Class in front of the BMW 3 Series, that’s E-Class in the Series 5, which shows that the top is clearly favored the BMW brand in front of him just because of brand Mercedes-Benz Mini . In the Audi A4 and A3 are on a downtrend, but in 2012 the situation will probably change because of A4 facelift, the new generation A3 respectively.

Those from Volkswagen also noted, with best placed model van (VW Touran, at a distance of 9 seats from Opel Meriva, 21) and best positioned SUV (Volkswagen Tiguan, at a distance of 6 to the BMW X1, 27). A great place for Dacia Duster, which, with 22,726 units sold in 2011 (double that of 2010), climbing from number 65 in 2010 to 35 in 2011, thus entering the top 50, but a surprising 4th place in top SUV after VW Tiguan, BMW X1 and Nissan Qashqai.

Statistics shows that 47.1% of cars sold in Germany were diesel (about 1.5 million new cars), 12 622 were hybrid engine, and 2154 were electrical machinery. And pollution was reduced in 2011, average CO2 emissions amounting to the 146 g / km.